Not surprisingly, many of our articles and postings have focused on how planning commissioners can be more effective.
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Last month, we discussed how to handle planning commissioners who have little to say. This time, we are writing about the reverse … those who are often loud, obstreperous, interruptive, sometimes rude, boisterous — or simply garrulous.
As you begin to attend meetings, you will find that although many parts of the agenda are routine, there soon is likely to be a controversial or contentious matter. You may be uneasy having to discuss your points of view. But you want to be effective. What should you consider?
Take a look at the latest addition to the PlannersWeb. Our 12-part Resource Guide will provide you tips and ideas on how to better manage public hearings. The Resource Guide also points you to other relevant online information and documents.
Our primary goal as a publication has been to help planning board members do their job better. But just what is their job?
Eight of our regular contributing writers take a brief look at various challenges and opportunities facing planning commissions and their communities.
A roundtable discussion on ways of strengthening the planning process — with a look at: the roles of planning commissions and governing bodies; finding time for long-range planning; and better ways of implementing local plans.
As planners and planning commissioners we need to think ahead, anticipate consequences, and identify our blind spots so we aren’t sideswiped by a future we didn’t see coming.
We posed four questions to 25 individuals who have had the opportunity to serve both as professional and citizen planners. You’ll find their responses quite interesting and informative.
PCJ columnist Ric Stephens offers four rules to help ensure all citizens receive a fair and impartial hearing from the planning commission.
Are you as effective as you can be in your job as a planning commissioner? Planner Carolyn Braun offers some tips for your consideration.
Take note planning commissioners! The Segedys (with apologies to David Letterman) offer their own “top 10” list.
Stop, look, and take the time to observe how people interact with the built environment.
One of the toughest challenges facing planning commissioners is how to deal with public hearings involving controversial development projects and zoning amendments. Planners and planning commissioners from across the country offer practical suggestions.
